Hash Browns

There used to be place called Rustic Inn at Rockford Illinois. I looked up on google and found the place still exists. I stayed there for a few days initially until I moved to a service apartment. It was tiny little motel which had its own farm behind the kitchen.It was basically a poultry farm and showcased old american ambiance. I do not recollect more but I distinctively remember this place for their breakfast menu which would have the hash brown potatoes daily. I simply fell in love with the way they prepared it and never missed it for any meal I ate at the hotel. When I picked this recipe for breakfast series my mind quickly traversed back to the time I spent at Rustic Inn almost a decade back. It is strange the way your brain holds memories and particularly in my case when it is associated with food.This is a popular breakfast item and is basically made in various forms in every cuisine, well which cuisine does not have a potato option for any course. But speaking about variants, the maharashtrian cuisine has a close cousin that goes by the name of batatyacha kees (which translates to grated potato).Although in maharashtra the spices are different, I love both the versions equally. Again the hash browns I first ate, were more like a small patty, crispy from outside and soft and buttery from within. At home my little one prefers it crispy all over and discards the mushy inside. So I make it flat and crispy. This way it uses very little amount of butter as well.

Ingredients2 large potatoes1 tbspn buttersalt and pepper to seasonMethod1) Grate the peeled potatoes using a fine grater.

2) Place the potatoes in a strainer and press it using a load. I use a mortar3) Now take a non stick pan and brush with buttter4) Evenly spread the the grated ,strained potatoes in a think layer 5) Sprinkle salt and pepper on top6) Once the base is cooked and slightly brown, flip it carefully using a pair of tongs or two spatulas7) Let it become crispy and golden in color.8) Serve hot as is or with other breakfast accompaniments like baked beans, grilled vegetables